Aleksandra smiled and reached up, tracing the shape of the odd, snake-like blade. She was glad to have this distraction from the kiss, even though she could still feel the tension hovering between them. "I'm asking because I want it," she dared to say. "I'm not very skilled at swordplay, not unless I have a khopesh in my hands. It requires more finesse than a normal sword, and much more style. This one is beautiful, a masterpiece. Almost better than your own sword. The steel isn't of the same quality, but it's tough." Feeling bold, she took the sword from him, ignoring the warmth of his hand as she did.

She took a few steps away and played with the sword for a few moments, getting used to the way it way balanced and the way it had to be held. Then she fell into a crouch, her eyes closed and the khopesh drawn back behind her. She began fighting imaginary enemies, swinging and twisting the sword with all the grace and precision of a striking snake. Oh, how she wished she had a long dagger in her other hand. The combination was nearly unstoppable. Draw this enemy close with the curve of the sword, plunge the dagger into his throat and swing away to cut around the knee of another. What a lovely, powerful dance it was.

She realized she'd been more waltzing than fighting, and that there was no grin on her face but a peaceful smile. She faltered to a stop, her eyes flying open. She was embarrassed by how she'd let herself go like that, and turned to look at Aulfr. "I'd like to have this sword. Unless you'd rather I teach you how to use it. But you'd need to put a lot of effort into it. The khopesh is a difficult weapon to use, not for simple stabbing and cutting like normal swords, and you'd need to learn how to move faster and tighter than you do now."